Have you ever noticed that cartridges and disposable pens with the highest THC% tend to be distillate-based with artificial or added flavorings? You may also have felt that while the flavor selection of distillate products is expansive, the effects are relatively similar or one-note. While distillate products have their value, we wanted to shed some light on why resin- and rosin-based products offer a more true-to-the-plant experience and possess a higher integrity as a product.  

One reason extraction styles like resin and rosin may have lower THC% than distillate, is that they are designed to offer a broader spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. For example, Distillate products can reach around 95% THC, but that would only leave 5% divided among all other cannabinoids and terpenes. On the flip side, resin and rosin products can be found around 85% THC or higher, in which case 15% of space (3x more than distillate) could be occupied by more cannabinoids and terpenes, making a big difference in the range and nuance of effects, and overall experience.  

While distillate extractions focus on providing a single component of cannabis (THC), extractions methods for resin and rosin are designed to preserve more of the plant's original chemical profile.  

A simple way to think about the difference is to compare it to coffee. An espresso (Resin/Rosin) preserves the flavor, aroma, and character of the coffee itself, while a caffeine pill (Distillate) isolates one of its primary active components (THC). Neither is inherently better, but depending on whether you're looking for the isolated effect of THC or the fuller experience of the cannabis plant, there is a clear difference between the two.  

Another notable difference between these products is that resin/rosin is typically a single-source extract, but with distillate, it has become common to see distillate products with multiple inputs, such as:  

• Ethanol/Butane/Propane with added Terpenes 

• CO2/Ethanol with Cannabis Derived Terpenes 

• Butane/HTE and Botanically Derived Terpenes 

• CO2 Distillate, MCT Oil, and Botanically Derived Terpenes 

 
The list goes on. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach—in fact, combining different inputs can create innovative new products, however, it also means that a product's final profile may come from several different sources rather than primarily from the original cannabis material. These sources could include hemp derived terpenes, remediated cannabis, or other components we wouldn’t want to find if we were just smoking flower.  

There is a legitimate convenience to distillate products with their price, potency, and added flavors, but if you are interested in a more complex cannabis experience, resin- or rosin-based products are worth trying. So, the next time you’re considering purchasing a cartridge or disposable, don’t just look at the THC%, but consider how the product was made and what you’re looking for from the experience. You may find that a slightly lower THC% can offer a much more interesting experience overall.  

Follow us on social media to stay in touch.
instagram | facebook